Black Jewish Rapper

His name is Nissim – which means miracles in Hebrew. An apt description of his life.

Seward Park is a neighborhood in southeast Seattle. Visit if you’re looking for Seattle’s orthodox Jews. Most of them live there. The neighborhood is chockfull of synagogues – including the oldest synagogue in Washington State – and other staples of Jewish life. At least it’s that way until you get to Rainier Avenue. Cross Rainier and you’re in the hood: drugs, poverty, crime, all the things you expect to find in America’s inner cities.

Nissim Black (formerly Damian Black and known in the rap world as D.Black) grew up in Seward Park a few blocks from Rainier Avenue. He lived close enough to the Jewish community to play basketball in a lot adjacent to one of the synagogues. But that was about it. Nissim wasn’t Jewish – not yet – and his world and his friends were on the other side of Rainier Avenue.

And Nissim – as his Hebrew name implies – believes in miracles.

As D.Black, Nissim was a rap artist on the move. His second release, Ali ‘Yah, sat for five weeks at number four on the CMJ hip hop charts. He toured the U.S. and was featured at many of the top festivals (SXSW, Capitol Hill Block Party, etc, etc). His video “Yesterday” was in regular rotation on MTV.

Not bad.

Music was in his blood. His father is Captain Crunch from the legendary Emerald Street Boys – think super old-school hip-hop a la “Rapper’s Delight” – and his mother was in the rap world as well. His mentor, Vitamin D – DJ, producer, MC, and often hailed as the foundation of Seattle hip hop – took him under his wing at an early age, showed him the ropes, and began recording him at age 13. He also benefited from an early association with hip-hop super-producer Jake One.

Miraculous? Probably not. Fortunate, yes. But sometimes good fortune comes at a price.

Nissim’s home was a mess. His parents used drugs and sold drugs. Not an easy place to grow up – try becoming king-of-the-hip-hop-hill when you’re surrounded by drug users. Their home was like Grand Central Station for dealers and users. And drugs take their toll on families.

Nissim’s father was the first to go. His mother left him when Nissim was two. His stepfather wasn’t much better. It was a bad scene; when the dealers weren’t interested the cops were. The FBI raided their home in 1995 – Nissim was seven at the time – their house was battle-rammed; live firearms, AK-47s, his mother forcibly arrested. Imagine going through that at seven. (Nissim’s mother died of an overdose when he was 19. She was 37.)

God Like

Drugs are an ugly glow from the wrong side of Rainier Avenue. They fit the stereotype. Drugs and a challenging childhood make it difficult to see miracles.

But jealous homeboy-wannabe-nobodies make it impossible.

Nissim’s relationship with Jake One enabled him to get a song included on White Van Music, a killer compilation of hip-hop heavies featuring artists that Jake One produced. Nissim was one of three Seattle-area rappers featured on the album. When White Van Music hit, Nissim, or rather D.Black, was a nobody. But “God Like” – Nissim’s D.Black feature on the album – changed that. “God Like” was big. It didn’t make D.Black a household name, but it put him on the map. And it made him a somebody in Seattle. Being a somebody in a world of nobodies is cool, except that some of the nobodies want to be somebody, too. And those nobodies will put you down and start trouble.

Another local rapper wanted attention. He needed someone to dis – as in disrespect – and D.Black fit the bill. D.Black was on the way up: insult him, provoke a response, and ride the wave up with him. The other rapper talked trash. Word got out.

So what?

An insult – especially from a nobody – means nothing in the real world, but not on the street. On the street you have to say something and put an end to the garbage, otherwise you are dissed. And dissed is bad. D.Black and friends found the rapper, threw a few punches, told him to quit it, and end of story.

Except it wasn’t the end of the story. Now the other rapper was dissed and that didn’t sit well with his people. So they started talking. And D.Black’s people started talking. And it escalated. And soon a friend of D.Black opened fire in a nightclub and the cops were called and the friend went to jail and D.Black was a wanted man.

So much for a promising music career.

But fear – fear of the cops, fear of jail – is a powerful motivator. And fear can sometimes penetrate the pettiness of the street. The other rapper called Nissim and they worked it out. Peace. The cops had their man and so they left Nissim and the rapper and everyone else alone. End of story. It was a close call and it got Nissim thinking. Maybe things didn’t have to be this way.

And maybe you can believe in miracles.

Islam, Christianity or Judaism?

Nissim thought a lot about miracles and faith and religion and God. It was all around him. It wasn’t constant in his life, but it was there.

If anyone asked, Islam was his religion.

When he was seven his grandfather came to live with him. His grandfather was a Muslim and taught him the Koran, how to make blessings in Arabic, and the salat (Islamic ritual prayer performed five times a day). But his grandfather wasn’t destined to be a symbol of stability in his life. He was out on parole and in 1996 violated the terms of parole and was sent back to jail. Nissim didn’t know enough – and he was too young – to be an observant Muslim. But if anyone asked, Islam was his religion.

Enough people asked about his religion to give him a reputation as the local Muslim. It was enough of a reputation that a Seattle-based evangelical group recruited him – now 13 – for their summer camp. He loved that camp. He loved being out of the city and away from the drugs and the crime. It was a breath of fresh air. He was inspired and on a high and by the end of the summer a convert to Christianity.

Now fast-forward to 20-year-old D.Black, rapper-on-the-rise. He thought about his life – his mother’s recent death from drugs, his good fortune in the music world, his close call with violence and the law, miracles good and bad – and he naturally thought about it from a Christian perspective. He thought about the factors that shaped his life, his experiences, and his troubles. He thought about God and faith and what it all meant. And he had questions – not necessarily big life-changing questions – but good questions:

If Jesus was Jewish, why aren't Christians Jewish? And shouldn't we still observe the commandments of the “Old Testament” to show God how much we love Him? I mean, He commanded them, didn’t He? And which religion came first: Islam, Christianity, or Judaism?

Good questions. He looked online. Google led him places. To a lot of places. He looked everywhere and was open to everything. He read and researched and thought. What’s up with the Old Testament? Is it true? It seems like it is.

But what about Jesus?

Okay. So Nissim became a messianic Jew: a practicing Jew and a believer in Jesus. And that was comfortable because he didn’t want to give up on Jesus. He thought that if you give up on Jesus you burn in hell.

And who wants to burn in hell?

But the more you learn, the more questions you have. And Nissim had a lot of questions. He was studying all the time.

Nissim today

He went to his biological father. Since the time Nissim’s mother had left him, his father had cleaned up his act and was on his way to becoming a Christian theologian (today he is a professor of Christian thought at a number of colleges in the Seattle area).

“What’s up with Christmas and Easter? Weren’t they originally pagan holidays?”

“Yes that’s true,” his father told him. “But they have been sanctified.”

Not good enough. Nissim dropped Jesus and the Christian holidays. His practice and belief were now Jewish. Great. Except nothing is ever that easy.

His practice and belief were now Jewish. But his wife was a hardcore Christian.

Back when Nissim was in high school, he met his wife. She was with him when his mother passed away; moving in with him and his family, grieving with them, and then moving Nissim out to get him away from the drugs and the madness. She was with him on his spiritual journey as well and he eventually discussed with her his discovery about the pagan holidays and his interest in the Torah.

But she could only go so far. She was a hardcore Christian, from a strong evangelical background. She came from a close family and not being with them for the holidays was a difficult idea for her.

But he was persistent.

He convinced her to study. They cracked open the books, asked questions, and searched online. His persistence paid off. Not only did his wife agree to join him on his journey in Jewish observance, she took the lead and pushed him to consider an orthodox conversion. And she convinced her sister and her sister’s husband to join them as well.

Now there were four people growing in Jewish observance together. Quite a miracle.

Don’t Be a Flake

Nissim’s second album, Ali ‘Yah, came out at that time. He was a messianic Jew when the album was recorded but had abandoned Jesus about six months after its release. He was also studying with a rabbi and working toward conversion. He wanted to study and grow and get on with conversion. He no longer wanted to wade knee deep in the muck and mire of entertainment international.

But a deal is a deal and he had to tour to support the album. Someone paid for the studio time, pressing, distribution, PR, the whole nine yards, and he wanted a return on his investment. It was only fair. So Nissim agreed to tour. But on the condition that he wouldn’t get paid – except for touring expenses – and in return for not taking any money he wanted to observe Shabbat and the holidays on the road.

Deal. His management went for it – who wouldn’t? – and Ali ‘Yah was a great success. For everyone except Nissim.

With the tour behind him, Nissim and crew went into hibernation to begin the long arduous process of conversion. It was a multiyear process and culminated in a massive double re-wedding paid for in full by the Seattle Jewish community.

And that was that. Nice story. Happy ending. Everyone is Jewish and life is wonderful.

Except that Nissim wasn’t working and his family was growing. You can’t live on passion. His brother-in-law told him to get back into music. His wife told him to go back into music. It seemed like everyone told him to get back into music. But he didn’t want to do it. The music world is no place for a nice Jewish boy. He didn’t believe the hype. He didn’t need to. And he didn’t need the fake-flattery-nonsense-aura of celebrity. He was beyond that.

Kids listen to rap stars. They don’t listen to their parents or teachers.

But music had benefits, too. It wasn’t all bad. He had power. And in particular, he had the power to do good with music. Kids listen to rap stars. They don’t listen to their parents or teachers. Call it the power of influence.

What to do? He didn’t know. So he didn’t do anything. And he waited.

Then his son got a fever. For a day, then two days. Then five days. And then they were in the hospital and it was serious. The doctors ran tests and concluded it was meningitis.

There was nothing Nissim could do but pray and hope for a miracle.

So he did. He went home and prayed. He prayed for his son and for health and for life and for everything that’s important. He prayed for clarity and guidance.

DO YOU HEAR ME? HELLO. I NEED HELP. WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO TELL ME, AND WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO? I DON’T GET IT.

Nissim had a microphone in his home studio. He stopped using it when he stopped making music. And it stopped working. He fiddled with it from time to time but it was dead.

I can’t be an MC without a mic. Show me a sign.

He turned on the mic and it worked. Another miracle. Nissim looked up and laughed. It was that obvious.

Maybe. God can do anything, but He doesn’t usually send messages via broken recording equipment. Some people see images of the Virgin Mary in their toast, too. And some toasters are said to be possessed by the devil. Maybe. But you can’t call it a clear case of divine intervention.

His rabbi said the same thing. Miracles are wonderful things, but don’t rely on miracles. Think about your life and make your decision because it is the right thing to do. Don’t be a flake.

It was time to put his gifts back into action, to inspire, to be a positive role model, and to help others.

So Nissim thought about it. It was hard. But he decided it was time to put his gifts back into action, not for self-glorification, but to inspire, to be a positive role model, and to help others.

And with that the doors opened – miraculously. A record deal fell into his lap, invitations for music festivals came out of nowhere, the local press took a sudden interest in him, and he recorded a new album.

Nissim's rabbi, Rabbi Simon Benzaquen, cannot overstate how important he feels Nissim's new music is. "Nissim is accomplishing two extremely important things with his new album," Rabbi Benzaquen says. "America's Jews and African-Americans should be natural allies. We have both overcome so much and share so much. Nissim is an important bridge in bringing us together. And what's more, Nissim's music transcends the standard bravado of rap. He is reclaiming the music's natural poetry."

Do you believe in miracles? Nissim does. He sees them everyday. Are they as big as the sea splitting or Elvis coming back from the dead?

No. But they are big enough.

Visit Nissim’s website www.nissimofficial.com and follow him on Twitter @nissimofficial and Facebook Facebook.com/nissim.music.

Featured at Aish.com:

About the Author

Tzvi Gluckin lectures extensively on a wide range of Jewish related topics. He is the author of four books including: Everything You Want Is Really Jewish, Discover This, and Knee Deep in the Funk: Understanding the Connection Between Spirituality and Music. He served in the Israeli Army, holds a B.M. in Jazz Studies from the New England Conservatory of Music, and is currently the director of Vechulai, an innovative Jewish think tank in Boston. For more information, visit his website at gluckin.com/.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 65

(52)
name,
March 23, 2016 1:27 AM

The Jews came out of Egypt, which means they were black. Josephs bothers couldn't tell the difference between him and the Egyptians, and Nissim is black.. Convert for what?

(51)
Yaron Reuven,
February 22, 2016 3:24 AM

Chazaq Ubaruch

amazing story. Chazaq Ubaruch for seeking, finding and sticking to the truth Achi.

(50)
Mindy Goldis,
July 15, 2014 9:37 PM

Amazing Story - Shalom Yehudi, Nissim

Thanks for sharing this amazing story and hope you share more like this. What an inspiration to those of us who were born frum and never really appreciated the beauty and how meaningful it is be a Torah observant Jew. Welcome to you, Nissim and your family and extended family for joining the Jewish Nation, as Yehudim. You can have a great impact on both Jews and non-Jews because you have a righteous Jew and a musician. I hope you can share your story in more schools and inner city areas that need and crave the love and inspiration someone like you. People of all walks of life can relate to music and it is definitely of a higher spiritual order to sing.Shalom and may Hashem give you and your family the strength to continue to walk in His Ways and be a proud Jew.

(49)
Anonymous,
April 12, 2014 3:12 PM

similiar journey

I was a religion major in an evangelical college when I met a jewish person online. Mentioning that Jesus was Jewish was the catalyst that that sent me searching for truth. I, too, began attending a Messianic congregation. Study after study lead me to the same conclusion.....something about Christianity just wasn't right. I tried desperately to convince myself that my faith was true...I have several ministers in the family and it seemed like a hard thing to do....but I couldn't deny the evidence. The more I studied Judaism the more I feel in love with the beauty of this faith. I converted 5 years ago.

(48)
rgr,
April 10, 2014 4:37 AM

seen you once or twice

There is a saying about the truth and it is like water that drips on a rock everyday it carves its success naturally forming that perfect idea that can only be He. Time, age, Infinite keep going Nissim don't stop never weaken for you are a Jew.

(47)
Paul STOLLER,
December 20, 2013 11:41 PM

Sparks of connectivity

Anything that unites Blacks, Chinese, Hindus or any other Race, Nation or Creed to the Jews is a good cause. The Divine is inside us all.

(46)
Rachel,
December 10, 2013 5:39 PM

I loved this wonderful, magical story! Love this man!!!!

Keep these kinds of stories coming at us....This one made me smile and feel so good down to my bones!

(45)
Avraham,
December 5, 2013 2:33 PM

Amazing...

What an awesome story….

(44)
Anonymous,
December 1, 2013 12:51 AM

amazing story

I really enjoyed the clip. It is amazing! I wish Nissim much hatzlacha! He should use his music to inspire more people. It was very touching.

(43)
Anonymous,
November 28, 2013 5:08 AM

great

Aw, this is just a great and powerful and inspirational story; loved it. Glad to find out that your son is ok too

(42)
yerushah,
November 27, 2013 10:57 PM

This is a wonderful story of life..This young man is a Jew he just didn't know it.I believe the spirit of our ancestors comes out some where in the generations.Its not what we understand,but what we do not.

(41)
Hughie Auman,
November 27, 2013 10:09 PM

WE ARE LIVING IN THE GENERATION OF THE REDEMPTION!

As an Israeli Tour Guide who frequently guides non-Jewish tourists I continuously see flickers of the spark of the Ge'ulah in their comments & actions. Usually the universality of the Noahide Laws dazzle those unaware of them. "My house shall be called a House of Prayer for ALL nations" without conversion to Judaism is a totally new revalation to them.Taking this one step further - genetic origin & race are secondary in Judaism.As Nissim said - he was standing at Sinai alongside me !Kol HaKavod.The Next step is Aliyah.Bruchim GaBa'im & Happy Thangsgivukkah from Israel.

(40)
Lou,
November 27, 2013 8:17 AM

Dude...You can't leave us hangin' like that...

You can't drop a bombshell about Nissim's son getting meningitis and then not tell us if he's OK...I had to search for like an hour to find out if he recovered (B"H")!!!

(39)
Marnie,
June 30, 2013 2:45 PM

Interesting!

I really enjoyed this article. Very interesting to learn of Nissim's life and the decision he made to become Jewish. I also firmly believe Jews and African Americans should form a closer bond as our people have both suffered greatly.

(38)
Daniel Moshe Johnson,
June 23, 2013 3:17 AM

Teshuvah

B'H assembly is the remedy to remind us of infinity....
What we must understand, is that remnant is not subject by pigmentation, surely there my be a partiality to darkness, Hashem spoke all into existence from darkness and the cloud was always dark.
Ha Ha, " only feeble minds are moved by the garment of the flesh. "

Daniel Moshe Johnson,
June 23, 2013 11:31 AM

teshuvah

Shalom, I hate the current above group rap culture, coming out of New Orleans with roots in Israel, I started piecing together similirities in jazz, blues in the two places.
I celebrate Nissim, amazing lyrics and video, I'm also a Jewish lyricist, and he has now motivated me to start releasing my songs.
My summary in both comments mention return, the remnant is returning back to the house of Israel. May the house of Israel continue to receive her remnant with open arms like what is going on in Israel.......
Shalom

(37)
Tayo,
June 21, 2013 12:55 AM

great

The story is quite great,I studied american history, what usually baffled me is the level of support african americans have received from Jews compare with european christians, the puzzle is why a group that was supposed to burn in hell has been the most compassionate in supporting liberty and fairness to all in america, thanks

Anonymous,
June 23, 2013 11:49 AM

history

I normally don't have time, but I will give you a bit to study, Midian and Cushite, which goes back to Abraham, Moses, Ethiopia, Sheva, Egypt etc.....to really try and categorize dark skin people from American history is impossible. Africa nor black incures nationality first off. The territory we now call Africa was named after Roman General Africanus, the trans Atlantic slave trade targeted Nigeria and Ghana mainly, the relationship with now what we see in Judaism is not exclusive to a certain territory, history has been dissorted in many cases to subject the whole and divide and subjagate based upon a myth in a man made color scale.
I suggest you study the lineage and regions found in the Torah and Bible, and it will take you to a story of a people named Israel, for the story of Israel and the Holy One, Blessed be He, is one that forces the heart and mind back to Hashem. The energy force that hovered and uttered a top Sinai, did not see color nor class, so why do we, became we have not truly grasped the "Haggadah"
Shalom

(36)
Anonymous,
June 20, 2013 7:16 PM

It is hard to believe, when jews do not want to be jews.

But he is?

(35)
Anonymous,
June 19, 2013 10:40 AM

ONE MAN'S JOURNEY....

OK I admit it. I initially did not like this article. I don't like RAP music at all [ Did I say AT ALL?], so I could not wrap my head around the style of writing. But as I thought about it, I realized the author faithfully brush-stroked the incredible journey of a human life. A harsh life, a sometimes disappointing life,- but a life that led to Judaism. Thank you and thanks to Hashem for mercies to this young man.

(34)
Naomi,
June 18, 2013 11:53 PM

Inspiring!

It's always interesting and inspiring when someone chooses to convert to Judaism. All the more so, someone from this man's background. Hashem should bless Nissim and his family and enable them to continue to make a Kiddush Hashem in the world. And what a great smile.

(33)
Ra'anan,
June 18, 2013 9:16 PM

if Hillel's actions on the rooftop obligates the poor, then YOUR...

ACTIONS obligate us all! I'm in total awe of you! I bless you that people listen to you & you shine brightly & turn ALL the "bad" darkness into light!

(32)
Dan Levi-Gomez,
June 18, 2013 5:47 PM

The G_D of Abraham,Isaac and Jacob.

The G_D of Abraham,Isaac and Jacob is always casting his nets to bring home those who hearkens to his voice.

(31)
Simi,
June 18, 2013 3:06 PM

Thank you for sharing

Amazing. You are such an inspiration. May HaShem shower you and your family with abundant blessing. Love your smile.

Jacob,
June 18, 2013 11:04 PM

My thoughts exactly!

I agree.. What an inspiration nissim and his wife are for seeking out the truth and living with it! Also, that smile is great, keep smiling!

Anonymous,
June 19, 2013 2:43 PM

wooooow!

this is very inspirational and moving!

(30)
Vasariah Fevrier,
June 18, 2013 12:24 PM

May HaShem bless you always , use your lyric wisely cause its a great gift that can inspire others and bring brothers and sisters back home to Judaism .many of us in the wilderness looking to return but don't know how and where to go.Im a black Jew myself from Haiti .

(29)
Yehudith Shraga,
June 17, 2013 11:09 PM

Outstanding Spiritual Performance of Self made Miracle.

Dear Nissim, thank you for sharing your story and letting us learn from the amazing aspect of your personality,which is the active position towards one's destiny.You didn't "sit" and wait what was going to happen next,but did all the necessary research to find the Truth and the G-d blessed you for those efforts.You've proved by your example, that no matter what background you were born,you are able to learn what the G-d really meant by bringing you to this world. Setting the precedent for a boy from your origin coming as High as the unique connection with his Soul which let him out of the darkness towards the Light and Life is absolutely Miraculous and may not be overestimated.

Your spiritual abilities deserve the special attention, because in no time you have discovered that the best way to spiritual ascend is the combination of The Study and work, which together multiply the effect of the efforts in the most accelerative progression known in the spiritual growth of a person.

You seem to grab the very essence of the Judaism which is the worldview oriented to the present and mostly to the future. No matter what your past was, and no matter what you have reached up to now, it isn't what the Judaism is about, the Judaism is about what you are at the present and what you are going to be in the future. The G-d doesn't judge us at the point of our arrival to this world, but He greatly cares what spiritual level we leave this world with.My strong believe is that the Soul of your Might is going to make much more Miracles in the nearest future by letting the way to many other Souls out of any kind of slavery up to the World of the Spiritual Growth, the World of Free Choice and the Joy of Spiritual Discovery.G-d Bless you and your family. Remember that there is NO limit to the spiritual and creative growth, because their source is in the Endless Love of G-d to His creation.

(28)
Sacha Levein,
June 17, 2013 6:18 PM

What an amazing inspiration you are, as well as your music being out of this world! Thank you so much. May hashem bless you to continue in your journey onwards and upwards!

(27)
Maurice,
June 17, 2013 4:07 PM

Very inspiring

You have overcome incredible odds and hope can become an inspiration to many young blacks. As the article says Blacks and Jews should be natural allies like they once were (see the civil right movement). May G-d bless you and your family now and your future endeavors.

(26)
Marlene,
June 17, 2013 4:05 PM

From your "cousin" (through Uncle Rick)

Nissim,My favorite part of your video is when you smile. It says everything.

(25)
Aharon,
June 17, 2013 2:55 PM

Wow - Welcome home, brothers and sisters

I've got goosebumps. May you only continue to see HaShem's goodness in everything you do.

(24)
Aaron,
June 17, 2013 1:24 PM

Soul Brother

Nissim,I stand in awe at your clarity and beauty. What an example you are to the world of how to sanctify one's talents to our Creator. I pray that you are able to bring the Truth through your music to our brothers.

(23)
Anonymous,
June 17, 2013 1:12 PM

A non jew is not allowed to keep Shabbos. He can keep all mitzvos except that (and eating from the korban pesach has the same status, but no KP today so not relavant) There are plenty of stories of ppl.heading in the direction of Judaism or in the process, and they would carry an object in their pocket where there was no eiruv, our put on a light out similar.

(22)
Tzvi,
June 17, 2013 10:30 AM

A Salute From an Urban Teacher

As a Torah- observant teacher in an inner city school district, I can identify with much of what is in this article. I wonder if it would be possible for this Torah-warrior-hero to speak to urban students in the United States. Furthermore, I believe that students who come from suburban and rural schools need to know just how dangerous and deadly the world of drugs can be. Conversely, youth from all streams of education need to be re-awakened to the idea that Hashem is real, His Torah is real, and that NISSIM indeed occur.

Nissim,

May Hashem bless you, your family, and your new ventures in music with boundless berachot in all areas spiritual, physical, and financial. I appreciate your sharing your story. I look forward to one day saluting your heroic actions meeting you face to face.

To this teacher, Nissis, your score an "A ".

Jennifer Rudner,
June 17, 2013 7:08 PM

YOU DESERVE RESPECT AND HONOUR

I concur with everything that Tzvi says.
Jennifer Rudner
South Africa

(21)
Reuven,
June 17, 2013 9:19 AM

Closer

Who can be a Jew? Anyone who asks questions and comes to the Truth and Source as you have. Kol HaKavod. You have lifted yourself out of the darkness and into the light. Very inspiring for all of us who face the trials of life. How will we respond to our tests? Hopefully by coming closer to Hashem as you have.

jgarbuz,
June 17, 2013 3:36 PM

Jews are supposed to be a LIGHT unto the OTHER nations, but

you don't have to join the Jewish nation to see that light. The religion of the Jews ("judaism") was NEVER meant to be a universal religion, as is Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and some others. The only laws that apply to OTHER nations are the 7 Laws of Noah (Noahide Laws) and not the 613 of Moses that apply to Israelites and Jews ALONE!

(20)
Anonymous,
June 17, 2013 9:09 AM

too long

the pure length of this article and lack of word limit took away it's potential punch, over 2000 words! I skimmed the article and found it interesting but I would have actually read it and understood it better had it been shorter and more to the point.

Jay Gotteiner,
June 17, 2013 12:04 PM

Sad Commentary

That 2000 thousand words in such an important article were too difficult for you to stop and read says more than I can about your ability to focus on your own live.
I wish you luck.

Denise,
June 18, 2013 1:45 AM

Fascinating article and GREAT music

I also write for the web and so am very aware of making articles shorter so people don't have to scroll down. This article was so fascinating and well written that it was a pleasure to read it. As for the music - I've stopped listening to secular music and I LOVE rap (even though I'm in my 50s) so was happy to find more "kosher" rap after the loss of Matisyahu.

Sharon Pinsley,
December 2, 2013 8:22 AM

Why...?

the loss of Matisyahu? I immediately went to Google to understand this comment and among other thigs saw that the man a few days ago was lighting community candles in Mich. in full-beard (as he was in the area for a performance of his music). he also explained when he appeared clean shaven that he was not "finished" with facial hair! Oh well, Chag Sameach from Israel...and BTW, Nissim, you are a joy to us all!

(19)
Leah,
June 17, 2013 8:00 AM

Character you've Got!

Shalom, Nissim. Writing you from the Holy Land, the one, the only. I am praying for the day when all men are brothers, when it is no longer the "the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." And character you've got -- it's divine! All the best.

(18)
Yehonasan E,
June 17, 2013 6:07 AM

Welcome Home Nissim

Welcome home!Beautiful!When you visit the Land of Israel, Nissim, I would like to meet you. We have a chaburah of righteous converts -- including my wife and me. Your love for Hakadosh Baruch Hu is without compare.Keep Singing and use your music to sanctify G-d's name throughout the world.

Emunah Murray,
June 20, 2013 5:56 PM

Chaburah

Yehonasan,
My husband and I are righteous converts as well. Coming to Israel next June and would love to meet you and your wife.

(17)
Anonymous,
June 17, 2013 5:12 AM

Nissim you made me cry i am so Happy for you.Think of it this way we all have to learn from you. and be persistant observant

(16)
Chana,
June 17, 2013 3:07 AM

Wow

Amazing!

(15)
Sarina postel,
June 17, 2013 1:27 AM

Touched by this story

Well I'm 76 years young, and enjoyed your music.And the journey that took you to get there! Keep it up.

(14)
Elaine,
June 17, 2013 12:25 AM

Amazing Grace!

I am so happy and amazed at this young man's transformation! I wish him luck, good health and mazel. Welcome to the tribe.

(13)
Josie,
June 16, 2013 7:27 PM

Powerful

Powerful music. I like it that The One who Created us has a multi-cultural embrace.

(12)
Sister Levi,
June 16, 2013 6:37 PM

Shalom! may God keep you my brother

(11)
Anonymous,
June 16, 2013 6:33 PM

What a wonderful story. So inspiring!

(10)
Tuvia Dovid,
June 16, 2013 6:28 PM

Kol hakavod to Nissim -- and Rabbi Benzaquen

It is indicative of Nissim's seichl/street smarts that he found Rabbi Benzaquen and Sephartic Bikur Cholim synagogue. After 42 adult years in Seattle, mostly in a neighborhood near Seward Park, I know Rabbi Benzaquen to be a kol bo of the highest order, a soulful singer of Ladino folk melodies and a sofer of unusual talent. His repairs to our small 19th century family Torah are almost indistinguishable from the original lettering, although the script is in Ashkenzai style and very small, about half the size of that in a standard Torah. Toda raba also to Rabbi Gluckin for this artful article.

(9)
Michal,
June 16, 2013 6:08 PM

For God nothing is impossible

For this Kind of Music I am too old.But the miracles in the life of this black Young man I caneasily understand. Those things I know by experience.The difference between a black child and Young man in the United States and a child and Young woman in Nazi-Germany is not so big.Both can called home by HalShem.And there we are... at Har Sinai.Kol tuv lecha!

BEN ZION SANDERS,
June 16, 2013 7:28 PM

YOUR PLACE IS WITH THE JEWISH PEOPLE IN ISRAEL(ERETZ YISRAEL),OUR HOLY LAND.

IF YOU ARE NOT READY TO COME & LIVE IN ERETZ YISROEL THEN AT LEAST COME FOR A VISIT, OR BETTER YET COME ON A TOUR & GIVE A PERFORMANCE. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED WRIT ME & WE WILL SEE IF WE CAN WORK SOMETHING OUT.!!!!BY THEWAY YOU WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO MEET THOUSANDS OF OTHER JEWS WITH A SIMULAR COMPLECTION TO YOURSELF.

(8)
Wendi,
June 16, 2013 5:30 PM

Great story

Terrific story of faith, love and honesty about this man. Keep up the fabulous and terrific, wonderful work you do to help so many.
Welcome back to "The Tribe!!"

(7)
mammy cw,
June 16, 2013 5:30 PM

Amazing

Your story is very possibly the most amazing and triumphanthat I have ever been privleged to read. May u b blessed in manifold ways for your efforts and the great role model u are.

(6)
Anonymous,
June 16, 2013 5:19 PM

You are an inspiring young man Stay with your beliefs and continue your good work

(5)
Rina,
June 16, 2013 4:50 PM

excellent!

I have a similar past, but did not convert. I chose to go to the crack houses on my own, and be in that world. Its a scary world, and with all the excitement its not worth the anxiety. I am white, so people also questioned my presence in those places. I never thought that I would become religious. It is a miracle that I did, but a bigger miracle that you did it, I was raised as a traditional Jew, so it was easier for me on that front, but not necessarily easier on other fronts-but I know that my life was saved by Hashem, and there is only one way to live, and that's to be close to him by doing the mitzvos. I would probably be dead by now, living the other life I did. I saw up close what drugs do to people, nobody told the truth, a lot of intimidation, etc. Im so happy to be a religious, married orthodox Jew today. I feel the connection to Hashem every second of the day, I know I can pray to him in my own words and he is there, right there with me. because of our physical bodies we don't see him, it would be too much for us, but that doesn't mean that he is not there. There is nothing but him. I try to do the mitzvos with as much joy as possible-H saved my life, its an honor for me. I just want to say that I really look up to you and your wife. may you both be blessed abundantly with everything you pray for, welcome to the Jewish Nation, its a privilege to have you, we can learn a lot from you both. Thankyou for sharing your story with us.

good story. could you please start featuring stories about jews of colour who are not converts, biracial, ethiopian or hebrew israelites. we do exist!

Shtarka,
June 16, 2013 5:17 PM

Want to know more!

I for one want to know more about you and others like you.

Itay Seigel,
June 16, 2013 6:09 PM

"We Black Non-convert Jews Exist"

I agree to with the need for "Black" (I use black vs. African-American because there are "white" African-Americans. I have five non-convert "native" Jews who are very open, aware, an ssd active in the film and finance...thewsw aondeful friends are living in the Metro area of Los Angeles Area.
I agree whole-heartedly that this group of Jews in the media are completely under-represented.
Itay Chiam Seigel
heyitay@gmail.com.

(1)
Gustavo Barajas,
June 12, 2013 1:20 AM

Humble begins

Very great story, inspiring, and you can feel his passion for Judaism!!

My Christian friends are always speaking about “faith.” To me this sounds a lot like blind faith. Is that really the essence of religion?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

I'm afraid that this is another case of a Christian concept being mis-associated with Judaism.

Let's first define our terms. What is faith?

Webster defines faith as "Belief without proof."

What is knowledge? "An acquaintance with truth, facts or principles through study or investigation."

Faith is usually a product of desire. Have you ever gotten a tip on the market that guarantees you're going to triple your money in a month? A lot of smart people have gotten fleeced because they ignored the evidence and went with their feelings.

Knowledge, on the other hand, is based on evidence. We know there's a place called China because we have too many products in our house saying "made in China." There's a lot of evidence for the existence of China, even though most of us have never been there.

Judaism unequivocally comes down on the side of knowledge, not faith. In Deuteronomy 4:39, the Torah says: "You shall know this day, and understand it well in your heart, that the Almighty is God; in the heaven above and the earth below, there is none other." (This verse is also contained in the prayer, "Aleynu.")

This verse tells us that it is not enough to simply know in your head, intellectually, that God is the Controller of everything. You must know it in your heart! This knowledge is much more profound than an intellectual knowledge. God gave us a brain because he wants us to think rationally about the world, our role in it, and our relationship with God.

A conviction based on desire or feelings alone has no place in Judaism. The Hebrew word "emunah," which is often translated as faith, does not describe a conviction based on feelings or desire. It describes a conviction that is based on evidence.

Once this knowledge is internalized, it effects how a person lives. A person with this knowledge could transform every breathing moment into a mitzvah, for he would do everything for the sake of the heaven. But this is not a "knowledge," that comes easily. Only intensive Torah learning and doing mitzvahs can achieve this knowledge. Every word of Torah we learn moves us just a little bit closer to that goal. And everyone is capable of that.

To learn more, read "The Knowing Heart," by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (Feldheim.com). This entire book is an explanation of this verse!

In 350 BCE, the building of the second Holy Temple was completed in Jerusalem, as recorded in the biblical Book of Ezra (6:15). The re-building of the Temple had begun under Cyrus when the Persians first took over the Babylonian empire. The re-building was then interrupted for 18 years, and resumed with the blessing of Darius II, the Persian king whom is said to be the son of Esther. The Second Temple lacked much of the glory of the First Temple: There was no Ark of the Covenant, and the daily miracles and prophets were no longer part of the scenery. The Second Temple would stand for 420 years, before being destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE.

You shall know this day and consider it within your heart(Deuteronomy 4:39).

Business people who are involved in many transactions employ accountants to analyze their operations and to determine whether or not they are profitable. They may also seek the help of experts to determine which products are making money and which are losing. Such studies allow them to maximize their profits and minimize their losses. Without such data, they might be doing a great deal of business, but discover at the end of the year that their expenditures exceeded their earnings.

Sensible people give at least as much thought to the quality and achievement of their lives as they do to their businesses. Each asks himself, "Where am I going with my life? What am I doing that is of value? In what ways am I gaining and improving? And which practices should I increase, and which should I eliminate?"

Few people make such reckonings. Many of those that do, do so on their own, without consulting an expert's opinion. These same people would not think of being their own business analysts and accountants, and they readily pay large sums of money to engage highly qualified experts in these fields.

Jewish ethical works urge us to regularly undergo cheshbon hanefesh, a personal accounting. We would be foolish to approach this accounting of our very lives with any less seriousness than we do our business affairs. We should seek out the "spiritual C.P.A.s," those who have expertise in spiritual guidance, to help us in our analyses.

Today I shall...

look for competent guidance in doing a personal moral inventory and in planning my future.

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